In development at Codemasters Birmingham and set for release on Xbox 360, PS3 and PC in September, F1 2012 will introduce a Young Driver Test mode as one of its new headline features, and promises "to deliver the most accessible and immersive Formula One game for fans of all abilities".

Codies says: "Players will be introduced to the world of Formula One through a range of tutorials explaining how to handle racing's most exciting and responsive cars, and challenged to earn a drive from a team for the 2012 FIA Formula One World Championship."

The game will also offer a host of "new features, wide-ranging technical and gameplay advancements and extensive competitive and co-operative multiplayer components", plus all the official teams, drivers and circuits from the 2012 season, including the debut of the F1 United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas, and the return of Germany's famous Hockenheim circuit.

To mark the announcement, Codies released the following movie, which shows F1 2012 creative director Stephen Hood catching up with rising stars at the Young Driver Test to find out if their experiences with F1 games have been of benefit to their real-life race preparations.

Earlier this week Codies announced (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/339834/codies-extends-f1-deal-announces-family-audience-experience/) it had signed a new multi-year F1 game license. It said new offerings in the frnachise will include a previously announced (http://www.computerandvideogames.com/315180/f1-online-announced-as-ambitious-free-to-play-sim/) free-to-play online management and racing game for PC and an all-new F1 "experience for a family audience... due this holiday season with details to be announced".